PSI Inc. to Launch PSI NGO

PSI NGO
The board of PSI Inc. has approved the motion to seriously explore the putting up of a PSI NGO - Micro-financing Project. The said project will be a common vehicle for graduates to give back to the community.

The PSI NGO venturing into Microfinance is a brainchild of two of PSI’s respected facilitators, Kokoy Reonisto and Sonny Vicente. Both attended a seminar of Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip – the founder of the most successful micro-financing organizations in the Philippines. Dr. Alip is also the recipient of the 2008 Ramon Mgasaysay Award for founding an improved version of the Grameen Banking Approach founded by Dr. Yunus from Bangladesh.

Micro-financing
Micro-financing is providing a broad range of financial services such as deposits, loans, payment services, money transfers and insurance products to the economically- challenged and low income households and other micro enterprises. These services however should NOT be mistaken as subsidized credit, a dole out, a salary / consumption loan NOR a cure to all poverty.

The clients of the project are the economically-active, entrepreneurial poor (e-poor) i.e. shopkeepers, ambulant vendors and household entrepreneurs. These are the clients who have stable economic activities and will be able to sustain and enhance them if only they are provided with even a small amount of readily available funds.
The details on the operation can best be provided on the general meeting of the investors in November where clarification and additional information will be provided.


Call for Investors to Make a Difference
Kokoy has observed that quite a number of PSI grads would like to give back or pay it forward because of the positive results they got in applying the learning from PSI seminars and programs. He thought that this can be an effective way of putting up a common vehicle for the graduates in pulling their resources (synergy) together to give or pay forward.

The board is now collating and researching the numbers and activities to be done to add flesh to Kokoy’s thought. One crucial activity is identifying the first batch of investors consisting of 100 PSI graduates who will be contributing P10,000 each which will be the initial seed money of the project.

When all details are squared away, the board will launch the project on November 22, 2008, Saturday 2pm at the PSI office. If you are interested please call Vickie Vicente at 8960938 / 8970900 / 09274322462.

PSI OUTREACH PROGRAM

Making children happy and loved has been our tradition for the past 7 years. Sr. John Vianney of the Missionary Sisters of Charity of Mother Teresa of Tayuman, Tondo Manila is requesting us once more to take care of 900 children, ages 9-10 years old this Christmas season. These children are taking religion classes under the care of the Sisters.

We would like to open this opportunity to all PSI graduates who would like to make a difference in the lives of these children. We will pack all donations on Dec. 12 put them in goody bags and distribute them on Dec. 13, 8am at the grounds of the Old and Dying located in Tayuman, Tondo Manila. Many of our graduates have found joy in participating in the packing and distribution of these goods. Once again we invite you to join us again this year. What we are asking from you is not much. You can choose from ANY of the following items; 1 kilo of rice, 2 canned goods, 1 kilo of sugar, 1 pc of bath and laundry soap, 1 box of toothpaste, 2 pcs of noodles, 1 pack of biscuits, candies, 1 can of milk, 1 pack of juice, 1 tshirt or shorts. You can also donate cash since we also provide breakfast for them.



You may send your donations to the PSI Office, Unit 604 Metropolitan Terraces, Sacred Heart St cor Kamagong & Metropolitan Ave., Makati. Or you may call us at 896-0938; 897-0900 or 492-7578 if you want the goodies to be picked up in your place.

PSI KIDS BATCH 50

PSI KIDS Batch 50

It was a weekend of play, fun and learning as 27 little kids came excitedly to the PSI Kids Batch 50 last May 10-11 at Martha’s Vineyard, Amapola cor. Estrella St. Makati City. The golden batch was greeted with by their energetic “nannies” – the big kids – Tita Nel, Tita Jane, Tita Nit-nit, Tita Mare, Ate Nikita, Ate Jewel, Kuya Nuel, the chief of staff Tita Nice, and their “teacher” – Tito Kokoy.


The big kids with tita Camille

The kids’ day started with some artwork, done with the help of their parents. Lots of activities filled the kids’ day! The big kids presented the small kids with skits which taught them the importance of balance, communication, agreements, commitment and unconditional love and understanding. They were animated with “the Boss and the Genie” which showed them how powerful thoughts are. They also met “Mandy and Pandy” who explained to them the importance of belief in oneself and the power of affirmation. Equally lovable were “Sunshine and Doogle” who gave them an idea of how to live their lives. The different games thrilled the children and at the same time encouraged them to love themselves. Even the breaks and lunchtime were purposeful as the big and small kids created their unique team name, their poster – another art work, and their cheers, which they presented during the graduation.


The whole gang with teacher Kokoy

The youngest group came up with the longest name – “The Powerpuff Girls and the Power Rangers Mystic Force”, and they are composed of Chen Thor, Bryce Ong, Kaizen dela Cerna, Mariella Leyson, MM Manaligod, Ate Nikita and Tita Jane. The next team, “The Smart Group”, who showed the alphabet moves, were Benette Perdido, JB Tupal, Ishtar Barrameda, Puff Cardenas, Miggy Leyson, Miko Punzalan, Tita Nel and Tita Nit-nit. Next were the delicious group, “3C’s – Cookies and Cream, Cupcakes”, who showed how “yummy” life can be with their cheers, and they are Tigger Cardenas, Justine Macachor, Shannon See, Sarah Valdez, Caeo Tan, Betong Valdez, Kuya Nuel and Tita Mare. The “Rainbow” Group, composed of Lance Baclor, Jesame Bellosillo, Karina Valdez, Dap Baclor, Nikolas Bellosillo and Ate Jewel, colored the room with their short and inspiring poem. Last but definitely not the least was the “Low Fat, Low Sugar” group of Fiya Binalla, Ida Manga, Francis See, Pito Sevilla and Tita Nice. They shed the pounds off by giving a work-out session for everyone.


RAINBOW TEAM


THE POWERPUFF GIRLS AND THE POWER RANGERS MYSTIC FORCE


THE SMART GROUP


3C’s – COOKIES AND CREAM, CUPCAKES


LOW FAT LOW SUGAR

Aside from the values that the children got, they get to take home dance moves, some “magical” friends and of course the experience of being themselves while learning and having fun. Truly, this was one unforgettable summer not only for the small kids but also for their parents and for the big kids as well. Till next time kids!!!

by: Jane Mata

Team 70 coaches

Can anyone beat this?

Congratulations to the just concluded Starhooters Team 70! Our heartfelt thanks go to all the great coaches who spent almost 7 months of their lives together to make this Starshooters a success. They have been meeting once a week for almost four months preparing for the coaching program. This group of dedicated, committed and loving coaches was lead by a Head coach, Kate Lacson. With her were Ivy Lee, Fish Florencio, Lulu Dee, Noreen Arrojado, Jane Mata, Psalm Ronquillo and Santi Umali. The other three months of their lives were spent following up their players seeing to it that their goals are achieved. Ivy, Psalm, Lulu and Jane even went as far as Trento, Agusan del Sur just to conduct coffees for their players.

Just like proud parents, they were the happiest during the 3rd intensive of their players. They became the best dancers of Tinikling, with Ivy and Noreen; Pandango, by Jane and Lulu; Pangalay by Fish; and Maglalatik by Psalm and Santi. Watching and cheering for them was Kate who took them all, together with the players, under her wings for the duration of the program. Their equally proud players were: couples Anthony and Carol Thor, and Pao and Lani Bautista; Kay Tamayo who kindly gifted PSI with a new brochure; Pijai Calicdan, Celia Carlos, Mimmo Tapiador, Mare Abella, Vicki Martinoff, and Ruth Aseron; Mayor Nene Hitgano, her sister Gloria Samper, and her daughter Emy Rose -- who came all the way from Trento, Agusan del Sur. Great work Team 70!

by: Vickie Vicente

Starshooters Team 70 - Wonderful Journey

What a journey it has been for the players of Starshooters Team 70 who graduated last May 25, 2008. From mid-February, these players have come into their own, enriching their lives and of those they touch. Glo soared high; Vicki flowed with love; Ruth was resolute; Carol showed focus; Anthony empowered himself, his teammates and his employees; Lani stood firm; Pao is enlightened; Mare and Kay lived with discipline; Mimmo shone with his magic; Nene unleashed her passion for family and her constituents in Trento, Agusan del Sur; Rose confidently reached her dreams and grew their businesses; Celia attuned her body, mind and heart; and Pijai positively exuded gentlemanly sexiness.

It was the season for love. Whether within their hearts or touching their family, friends and even strangers. No doubt, people were touched.

It was a time for growth. Planting seeds of businesses, relationships and health. Moving from point A to point B. Committing to something bigger than themselves.

It was a team of travelers. From 3 team members making the trip from Mindanao to Luzon several times due to the program, a couple of business people flying international to achieve their goals, even the bonding time for some of the team members happened in Agusan, Davao, Eastwood and Tagaytay.

Although the program has ended, the learnings have not. Armed with new goals and a wealth of realizations, these new starshooters are playing in their game of life. As we say, once a starshooter, always a starshooter. Keep your eye out for these brilliant stars!

by: Ivy Lee

HEROIC CLASS XXVIII

New Eagles from HEROIC CLASS XXVIII soared to great heights in the Heroic Leadership Seminar in Abucay, Bataan held last April 14-20, 2008. The 37 new eagles are the following: Zahra Abdulwahid, Disen Abella, Audrey Aborde, Ida Arrojado, Neva Baraquel, Jerome Bautista, Anton Bautista, Let-let Bellosillo, Leah Buhain, Xandra Cardenas, Mina Casaje, Ritchie Chan, Loewi de Luna, Lulu Dee, Carol Donato, Nasrin Fard, Peter Felix, Lourdes Felix, Shiela Gonzales, Mabel Granada, Arthur Grandeza, Pepet Macachor, Soky Manlapat, Gjay Martinez, Jane Mata, Aimee Mercado, Red Molleda, Marlo Parentela, Johnny Pasatiempo, Eileen Prudon, Fritzie Rojas, Phyna Serrano, Catherine Suelto, Maricel Sy, Santi Umali, Cristina Sitoy and Nit-nit Wong.

The seven-day action-packed seminar was filled with life-changing experiences, powered by the inner reservoir of energy and vitality from the new eagles.

The group was welcomed by the staff (eagles) led by Erika Que, Staff Director and Vickie Vicente, Program Director. Other members of the staff include Kate Lacson, Ivy Lee, JP Prieto, Sharon Que, Jed Quiambao, Noreen Arrojado, Baby Bellosillo, Tristan Mirasol, Fish Florencio, Nelen Herrera and Arlene de Luna.

The group who said YES to be in hiatus for 7 days composed the Heroic Leadership Seminar Class XXVIII. They were presented with pride to Guru Kokoy Reonisto who led them to their “nests” nestled amidst luscious green mountains under the blue sky.

This conducive environment contributed to their quest to become effective leaders who focus attention to action and RESULTS.

Here’s what the new eagles said about their 7-day journey…

“It was a crazy week for a golden girl like me but it sure beats hormonal pills to get back the zest for life.” – Lourdes

“I’ve learned to love myself, accept myself completely and believe in myself.” – Zahra

“It taught me how to let go of my past experiences and gave me courage to love again.” – Nit-nit

“The Heroic Leadership course is a very potent morale-boosting mechanism that helped me conquer my unfounded fears and pushed me to the limits of my God-given talents and skills.” – Red

“It was an invigorating experience.” – Mabel

“It showed me the true value of life and finding happiness in everyone. It taught me how to be independent and that we can achieve anything if we just believe.” – Let-let

“Heroic Leadership Seminar has moved me higher in my level of personal consciousness which gives me faith that from now on, my expansion comes swiftly.” – Gjay

“It made me realize that despite the decision to slow down, I’m more aware of the abundance that is available for me, that everything we need is just a thought away.” – Neva

“Heroic truly bares it all, letting you see a completely renewed world!” – Jerome

“Be thankful to God for the small and big things, knowing that there are people who are in greater need. Praise and appreciate small things and greater things will come.” – Arthur

“Unforgettable.” – Aimee

“It has awakened the hero inside of me.” – Nasrin

“It was incredible!” – Leah

“It was an exhilarating experience for me and through it I realized the importance of trusting myself again.” – Fritzy

“It was a wonderful life-transforming ideological breakthrough experience.” – Johnny
“Heroic Leadership unleashes the hidden potential of each person, in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspect.” – Disen

“It was really an unforgettable experience. I was able to overcome my fear and inhibitions in life. I’m proud of myself that I’m one of the eagles now and that I am free.” – Maricel

“The Heroic experience moved me beyond the circumference I set for myself. The experience let me see things from above and beyond. How wonderful they are!” – Santi

“The Heroic Leadership Seminar unleashed the natural greatness that has been hiding inside me all my life.” - Ida

“Heroic encapsulates the sense and essence of being destined for greatness.” – Lulu

“I don’t have to wait for myself to plummet before I haul myself to the summit.” – Soky

“What I saw in 7 days was enough to affirm my faith in human potential for the rest of my life.” – Peter

“I learned to be loving and patient while being true to myself.” – Ritchie

“Heroic is where I learned how to conquer my fears and see opportunities amidst difficulties.” – Catherine

“The power of mind, one point perspective, thinking positive thoughts will create positive energy and will result to a positive outcome.” – Phyna

“A must-attend for PSI Basic Leadership graduates.” – Pepet

“It’s amazing how I conquered my fears!” – Mina

“Love yourself and you can easily give love back a thousandfold.” – Eileen

“It was a personally exhilarating experience.” – Carol

“Everyone has the ability to soar high, just believe in ourselves.” – Shiela

“Refreshing and enlightening.” – Audrey

“The seminar made me do things I never thought I could do. I’m glad I’m an eagle now!” – Jane

“I totally let go all my fears which I carried for 20 years… now I fully understand the true meaning of loving oneself.” – Marlo

“It was no coincidence… I was meant to be an eagle.” – Xandra

The Heroic Leadership Seminar is conducted by PSI annually, and is aimed at drawing out one’s leadership potential and awakening the Hero within every one. The key impact of the seminar is focused on leadership inspired by a vision and contribution to the world.

by: Jane Mata

A Rewarding Experience

“The rewards are simply undeniably awesome,

for lack of words to describe it.”

-- Xandra Cardenas

It all started in December 2006 when the PSI grads of Baguio decided to hold their Christmas party in Joshua Children's Home. From then on, Xandra Cardenas (Basic 107, Starshooters Team 67, Heroic Class 28) became active in such events and soon discovered that just leaving donations at the doorstep was not enough for the kids. In visiting the orphanages, Xandra saw how the younger kids would cling onto her and would want to be hugged. They wanted someone they could talk to and listen to their heartaches. They needed someone to tell them kind words, to hear that they are beautiful and smart; and that they could be whatever they want to be. After a few minutes of being with them, their smiles are worth her time.

In her last visit to Bethesda Children's Home in January, she was joined by some PSI grads of Baguio and some Korean volunteers. They brought food and had a little chat with each of the kids. They asked them what they want to be in the future and gave them some advise. The childred expressed their gratitude with smiles and positive responses; but, in her opinion, she should be the one thanking these children. They have inspired her and have given her an opportunity to give unconditionally.

Xandra visits Bethesda every month. She encourages others to join her. Her volunteers are growing in number because, somehow, word had spread. More and more Koreans are joining too, and she gets many donations from overseas as well.

More than inspiring, it has truly been a rewarding experience for Xandra.